In an unexpected turn of events, Pakistan faced a stunning defeat against the USA in the T20 World Cup 2024. The match, which went down to a thrilling Super Over, saw Pakistan struggle at the start with a score of 26/3. Babar Azam and Shadab Khan then formed a promising partnership, adding 72 runs and stabilizing the innings. However, their effort fell short as Shadab was dismissed, leading to another collapse. Babar identified the loss of quick wickets as the turning point that disrupted their momentum.
Struggles in Unfamiliar Conditions
Babar Azam attributed the loss to the unfamiliar conditions and lack of preparation against the USA team. Pakistan’s batters struggled to find their footing, while the bowlers failed to maintain consistency. Misfields in the field added to their woes, allowing the USA team to stay in the game until the last few overs. Babar did not shy away from criticizing their overall performance, stating that they failed to deliver in batting, bowling, and fielding.
Reflecting on the Game’s Key Moments
Also Read : India T20 World Cup Victory Marred by Arshdeep Singh Inconsistent Performance
Babar highlighted the initial difficulties with the ball swinging and holding in the first six overs. Despite gaining some momentum with partnerships, the continuous fall of wickets proved detrimental. He praised the USA team for their performance, especially in the Super Over, but acknowledged Pakistan’s shortcomings. Babar emphasized the need for professionals to step up, particularly in crucial matches, and admitted that their performance was below par.
Pakistan’s Fightback and Final Overs Drama
Pakistan managed to post a total of 159/7, thanks to some late big hits from Shaheen Afridi. The USA, in response, built a strong partnership, setting the stage for a close finish. Pakistan’s bowlers made a brief comeback, but Nitish Kumar’s four on the last ball pushed the game to a Super Over. Mohammad Amir, despite shining earlier, faltered in the Super Over, giving away 18 runs. Pakistan could only score 13/1 in their reply, leading to a 5-run defeat and an early exit from the tournament. Despite the loss, Babar expressed a positive outlook, determined to improve in the coming games.
Read More
